President Ramaphosa Arrives in Brazil for Landmark Two-Day State Visit to Deepen Strategic South-South Cooperation

President Cyril Ramaphosa visits Brazil to meet President Lula da Silva. Learn how this 2-day state visit aims to boost trade, investment, and BRICS cooperation.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 9, 2026, 7:05 AM EDT

Source: The information in this article was sourced from EWN

Reaffirming a Decade of Strategic Partnership

President Cyril Ramaphosa is currently in Brazil for a two-day state visit designed to consolidate and expand the bilateral relationship between South Africa and Latin America’s largest economy. This visit serves as a significant milestone in a relationship anchored by the 2010 Declaration of Strategic Partnership. According to the Presidency, the engagement provides a vital platform for Ramaphosa and Brazilian President Lula da Silva to synchronize their positions on a broad spectrum of global and regional issues, ranging from political stability to diplomatic reform.

Economic Expansion and the Business Forum

A primary objective of the mission is the unlocking of new, mutually beneficial trade opportunities. Accompanying the President is a robust business delegation representing key sectors of the South African economy. On Monday night, Ramaphosa is scheduled to address the South Africa-Brazil Business Forum, an event specifically curated to foster increased commercial collaboration and joint ventures. The President is also expected to hold private consultations with Brazilian industrial leaders on the sidelines, with the explicit goal of accelerating foreign direct investment into South African infrastructure and technology projects.

Historic Ties and Shared Heritage

Presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya emphasized that the connection between the two nations extends beyond mere economics. "South Africa and Brazil share historic and fraternal ties built on friendship, shared African heritage, solidarity, South-South cooperation, and multilateralism," Magwenya noted. This cultural and historical alignment provides a unique foundation for the two countries to act as a unified voice for the Global South in international forums, advocating for equitable development and representational reform in global governance.